PROF. Chukwuemeka Ike’s classic book
for junior readers, The Porter’s Wheel has now been relisted for the Unified
Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) next year. The novel for young adults
is published by Ibadan-based University Press Plc. Both the publishers and JAMB
have advised candidates sitting for the examination into tertiary institutions
in the country to obtain genuine copies from University Press Plc and its
outlets across the country and to shun dubious sources for pirated copies.
Last year, JAMB listed the novel but
it was not tested on. However, the examination body has relisted it in the UTME
2013 and all candidates are required to read it, as it will be tested under the
Use of English General Objectives section.
While speaking with The Guardian on
the development, a senior official of University Press Plc and General Manager,
Publishing, Mrs. Folakemi Bademosi said students would find the novel very
exciting, as it captures most of the things young adults their age indulge in,
especially with the skillful narrative power of Ike at play in his faithful
rendering.
She particularly tasked students and
parents to shun patronising dubious sources to buy copies of the book. She
stated that the company has taken time to make the book available at a very
affordable price. Following the recommendation last year, Bademosi said The
Porter’s Wheel was massively pirated, but added that as part of efforts to
encourage students and parents to buy genuine copies; the cover price now comes
at the paltry sum of N240, as part of agreement University Press Plc also
reached with JAMB. She assured of the novel’s availability in all bookshops
nationwide.
